recommendations for used Honda hatchback?

My son needs a car at school so I am thinking about helping out
with a used Honda. Since he plays tenors in the marching band
(Marching Illini!!!) he needs something that can easily carry
a set of tenor drums (or a conventional drum set.) I think that
a hatchback is the best solution. He tells me that his kit will
fit the trunk of a Jetta, so if any Hondas have a similarly cavernous
trunk, please let me know.

I'd like to keep this under $5000 (much under. That probably
translates into a an early or mid 90's car. What model designations
should I be looking for? I see a lot of used Civics with designations
like CX or DX. Is there a designation like this for the hatchback or
do these just describe trim levels? I'd hate to overlook a car just
because they did not bother to list "hatchback" in the description
because "everybody knows that the CCXV model is a hatch" if you
catch my drift.

Are there any models or options that tend to be troublesome? He'll
be responsible for repair costs. (That's why I'm steering him away
from the Jetta. I own a GTI and it can cost thousands of dollars/year
to keep it on the road. DAMHIK!)

Any idea what proportion of these were sold with standard
transmissions? It seems like most of the used ones have autos. I
really prefer a stick. It seems like there are too many ways that an
auto can require repairs. ($$$)

Also if you know of other similar cars (Toyota? Mazda? ...) that
you would recommend for this application, please let me know. Honda
came to mind first because they have a good reliability record and
make a hatchback.

thanks,
hank

 

Assuming US models:

1980, 1984, 1988, 1992, 1996, and 2001 were generation changes for the
Civic.

For 1988 and newer models:

CX and VX were hatchback only. Si was hatchback only except for the
1996 generation which was coupe only. DX could be either hatchback,
sedan, or coupe. LX and EX were/are not available as hatchbacks.
There were also some unlabeled base model hatchbacks. CRX (any variety,
including HF and Si) was 2-seat hatchback. Wagons were available until
1991.

 

Some common old Civic problems are:

1. Know when the timing belt and water pump were last changed. Failure,
often results in expensive engine damage.

2. In tight parking lot turns, clicking or grinding noises mean CV boots
have cracked, and dirt has gotten in to damage the CV joints.

3. Some have seat belt buttons that crack, making the belts inoperable,
or unable to stay fastened in a crash. Use the lifetime seat belt
warranty if that is a problem.

 

... and would be good years to avoid?

Wow! Thanks for all the info. (both posts.)

So, the Honda is an interference engine I take it. Is the belt change
interval 60K like other cars with which I am familiar (Mazda.)

thanks agian,
hank

 

Belt change interval depends on the year - earlier ones are 60k miles, by
'95 it is extended to 90k, by '00 105k.

 

Honda did seem to have fewer "first year of a new model" problems than
many other companies. But by now, most of these cars are old enough
that actual condition is much more important. I wrote that mainly so
that you know that (for example) a 1995 Civic resembles a 1992 Civic
much more than it resembles a 1996 Civic.

 

Looking at my trunk, I could probably fit a set if quints in either my
cars' trunks... (91 and 96 civics) ...

Now, if he played tuba.. I'd recommend a hatchback

 

Question: Any word/rumor on whether Honda is planning to bring back a
vanilla hatchback version of the Civic in 2005 or later? If I'm
reading things correctly, there is no 2004 Honda Civic hatchback model
at this time, other than the Si.

I've got a wonderful '87 Civic DX Hatchback that still runs like a
top, and I'm curious about how soon I could replace it with something
similar (and new). The Si's a bit sporty for my mundane tastes.

Thanks in advance...

Jeff Meyer, N.C., N.Q.D.Y.
[Not Quite Dead Yet]